Cynthia Roemer's Blog, page 26

E-Book Giveaway for Newsletter Subscribers!

Welcome Newsletter Subscribers!

Thanks for your interest in my Prairie Sky series! If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to read the first book in my Prairie Sky series, here’s your chance to win an e-copy of Book One: Under This Same Sky!

This contest ends March 13th ~ Pre-Order day for Under Prairie Skies and is for email subscribers only! If you should happen upon this contest and are not on my email Author Newsletter list, you’re welcome to hop on over and sign-up prior to entering.

You can sign up on my FB Author Page:  https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCynthi...

or my Author Website: http://cynthiaroemer.com/

Thanks so much for your interest in my Prairie Sky Series. The winner will be announced in my next Author Newsletter!

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My Review of The Lady and the Lionheart

What a captivating love story! I was entranced by Ella and Charlie from the start. Bischof has created endearing characters that will find a place in readers’ hearts to stay.

I admit, at the onset, the circus setting didn’t appeal to me, but I’d heard such wonderful things about this book, I was compelled to read The Lady and the Lionheart and am so glad I did. Bischof did a masterful job of bringing the Big Top to life. This unique setting, coupled with such alluring characters, made for a read I didn’t want to see come to an end.

My favorite scenes were those in which Ella and Charlie were together, growing in their love and appreciation for one another. There was just something about the author’s voice that pulled me into their story. A worthy read for anyone who enjoys great fiction.

A charming love story I won’t soon forget.

 

Connect with Cynthia on Facebook and Twitter. Read more of her writing at: Putting on the New Blog.

Read how God works in the lives of Cynthia’s characters in her debut novel, UNDER THIS SAME SKY, available in both e-book and print at Amazon.com

Scripture Survival Kit

Welcome! Today I want to share a fun post to remind us to look for the good qualities in others and to keep our own selves on track. (Matthew 7:1)

Several months ago, I attended a book swap and was given a Scripture Survival Kit which I’d like to pass along to you. It blessed me and it’s my prayer you’ll be blessed as well!

This kit came in a plastic bag and included these items and message:

Rubber Band: To remind us to be flexible. Things might not always go the way we wish, but God will work them out for our best. (Romans 8:28)

Band Aid: To remind us to heal hurt feelings, ours or someone else’s. (Colossians 3:12-14)

Pencil: To remind us to count our blessings everyday. (Ephesians 1:3)

Peppermint: To remind us that we are worth a mint in God’s eyes! (John 3:16-17)

Lifesavers: To remind us that the Lord is here to help. (Psalm 46:1)

Puzzle Piece: To remind us that without God, we are not complete. (Proverbs 14:20)

Such wonderful reminders to us all. I pray you’ve been blessed by this simple yet thoughtful collection of thoughts and Scriptures and that you will take opportunity to pass this survival kit on to others!

Connect with Cynthia on Facebook and Twitter. Read more of her writing at: Putting on the New Blog.

Read how God works in the lives of Cynthia’s characters in her debut novel, UNDER THIS SAME SKY, available in both e-book and print at Amazon.com

The Greatest Valentine of All

Happy Valentine’s Day!

As the only female in our household, I take a lot of teasing when it comes to watching romantic or inspirational movies. What I call touching and moving, my husband and sons call sappy! While I’m gearing up for a good cry, they’re snickering and staring, wondering why I’m puddling up.

Guys just don’t get how we women can get so caught up in the emotions of a scene. “It’s just a movie, Mom. It’s not real,” my oldest son reminds me time and again when something tugs at my heart. Yet a good flick can pool me up quicker than slicing an onion…even if I’ve seen it dozens of times!

What is it about movies that touches our souls and moves us to tears? It’s the power of love. Whether it’s the love between a boy and his dog, a mother and her child, or two star-crossed sweethearts who’ve been torn apart, a good story can reach into the depths of our beings and draw us into the characters’ lives.

Yet, nothing touches my heart like the amazing love of Christ. No greater love story has ever been written than that of Jesus coming to earth and giving His all for us. God sent us the greatest Valentine anyone could ever give–redemption through His Son.

A magnet on our refrigerator bears the most memorable Valentine message ever sent…a Valentine from God.

“For God so loVed the world

that he gAve his

onLy son

that whosoEver

believeth iN him

should noT

perIsh, but have

everlastiNg

lifE.”

(John 3:16)

 

As you celebrate Valentine’s Day with the one you love, may you feel the joy of God’s most precious gift…His unconditional love and gift of salvation through Christ.

What makes Valentine’s Day special for you?

*Reprinted from my post on Putting on the New Blog, Feb 7, 2016.

*Connect with Cynthia on Facebook and Twitter. Read more of her writing at: Putting on the New Blog.

Read how God works in the lives of Cynthia’s characters in her debut novel, UNDER THIS SAME SKY, available in both e-book and print at Amazon.com

 

 

Interview & Giveaway with Elaine Stock

Today, I’m pleased to welcome inspirational author, Elaine Stock for an interview. She’s also graciously offered to give away an e-book copy of her latest novel: Her Good Girl. So stick around until the end to enter the contest!

Thanks for joining us, Elaine. Could you tell us about your writing journey, how you came to be a published author?

Thanks, Cynthia, for having me back on your lovely blog.

I’ve been writing ever since I can remember. While other children played with toys… then got involved in the dating scene as a teen, I often took pen to paper and created stories for my own entertainment. In junior high I was very influenced by movies and wanted to be the next Neil Simon playwright (guess that dates me some!). In high school my story interests turned toward suspense and then in college to writing romance.

Two life happenings occurred that turned my dabbling into serious desire for publication: first, the passing of my talented and creative mother (who never made much of her gifts) a little after her 46th birthday and second, the tragic and infamous day of 9-11. Unable to work on my writing every day back then, it took me several more years to not only hone my craft (I’m still doing so… and believe all authors perpetually do so!) but to hone my perseverance. It wasn’t until I turned my writing over to God, asking Him to help me do what He wants me to do, that I saw my first publication contract. That was for the novel Always With You, which I was blessed to have win the 2017 Christian Small Publisher Association Book of the Year Award in general fiction.

What a wonderful honor! When we give God control, He does marvelous things! What is your favorite part of being a writer?

The whole package! I enjoy the creative side, especially seeing the “story magic” happen when the characters and plot start dictating what should occur (I’m a total seat-of-the-pants writer). I also have fun editing, and editing, and did I say editing? It’s like solving a puzzle that doesn’t fit well until the right pieces fall into the right place. I also enjoy the promotion part. Though it’s too time-consuming, I feel as if I don’t have a choice in promotion.

I can identify! What is the most difficult part of writing for you?

Honestly, not comparing myself to others’ journeys. Why did Author Annie A get picked up by Big-Name Publishing House? Why did Author Ben B see his first novel at the age of 20 and never has looked back since? Why does Author Constance C not work a day job and manages to produce 5 books a year?

This past year I’ve been narrowing—or widening, depending on how you want to interpret it—my focus on God’s plans for me while trying to tune out the rest of the world when it comes to my writing. Not easy. But, I’m doing it. I’m choosing to trust in Him.

That’s so hard, but so necessary. Your latest novel, Her Good Girl, deals with the issue of mental health. Why did you choose to write about this topic?

Objectively, I love how the human mind works. I was a psych-sociology major in college and people and their behaviors always fascinate me. Plot wise, I don’t think I can run out of premises when wrapping my stories around how people act and treat other.

Subjectively, my own mother was a very mentally ill woman, although not diagnosed properly until I was 18. However, although there’s only a thread—loosely, very loosely—about this in Her Good Girl, the story’s focus wraps around MSP, Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy. This is often a tragic emotional disturbance when (usually) a mother craves so much attention by the medical field that she induces illnesses onto her child to achieve deliberate attention. I first became aware of this syndrome when I had chanced picking up a memoir of a survivor and reading the account. Then, through the years, I followed true cases in the newspapers and other media. My “author theme” seems to be growing into how God’s love and power can help families heal and stay united, and I hope I succeeded in Her Good Girl. The suspense angle of the novel comes into play with the elements of a near-perfect stranger to the family taking matters into his own hands, and also, of the dad engaging in caving exploration.

Sounds intriguing. How did you incorporate faith into the novel?

I try my best not to push faith on my reader, but instead have it come naturally as part of the story. In Her Good Girl a few of the characters have abandoned their once strong faith, although the character of the grandmother is resolute in her beliefs. Yet, it is the amazing grace of His love that definitely comes into play in the novel, though I don’t want to say more because it would give it away.

What can we expect to see from you in future writing endeavors?

I’m itching to write this time-slip novel that is based upon the mysteries of my own family’s journey to the US. Although I’ve begun it, I also have a romance series out to publishers for consideration. Right now, with the imminent launch of Her Good Girl, and its subsequent promotion, I’ll have to see which exact novel(s) get my next full attention.

A family will change in 5 days. Will it be for better or worse?

Her Good Girl is a coming-of-age suspenseful story of a whole family. Sadie suffers through her mother’s home-remedies for her illnesses, hoping if she can make it to the fall when she will leave for college, then she’ll be fine. Sky, a classmate, who showers her with kindness and admiration, opens her eyes that she might not live that long if her mom has her way. His solution for a happily-ever-after is not pretty. But, can she partner with Sky to hurt the mom who has hurt her for years?

“From the very first page, Her Good Girl is intense and emotionally gripping. Elaine Stock is a writer of immense power. Her characters are unique, haunting, and memorable. Superb prose and vivid storytelling propels the reader to keep turning the page until the richly satisfying end.” –Megan Whitson Lee, author of Suburban Dangers and Captives.

“Her Good Girl is a story that will remain with you long after you close the book…Readers will find themselves unable to stop reading about this train wreck of a family until the last satisfying page. And then they will want more.”—Patricia Bradley, The Logan Point Series, Memphis Cold Case Series

Elaine Stock is the author of Always With You, which released in January 2016 and has won the 2017 Christian Small Publishers Association Book of the Year Award in fiction. She has also penned the novella And You Came Along, originally part of the Winter’s Kiss novella collection, plus several short-stories.

Her novels fuse romance, family drama and faith in a clean fiction style. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, and Women’s Fiction Writers Association, and contributes to the international “Happy Sis Magazine” and “InD’tale Magazine.” In addition to Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads, she hangs out on her active blog, Everyone’s Story, dedicated to uplifting and encouraging all readers through the power of story and hope.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, Elaine has now been living in upstate, rural New York with her husband for more years than her stint as a NYC gal. She enjoys long walks down country roads, visiting New England towns, and of course, a good book.

Elaine’s contact info:

Website

Everyone’s Story Blog

Twitter

Facebook

Goodreads

Amazon Author Page:

Amazon Page for Her Good Girl

A family will change in 5 days. Will it be for better or worse?

Her Good Girl is a coming-of-age suspenseful story of a whole family. Sadie suffers through her mother’s home-remedies for her illnesses, hoping if she can make it to the fall when she will leave for college, then she’ll be fine. Sky, a classmate, who showers her with kindness and admiration, opens her eyes that she might not live that long if her mom has her way. His solution for a happily-ever-after is not pretty. But, can she partner with Sky to hurt the mom who has hurt her for years?

“From the very first page,

Now for the Giveaway! Leave a comment to unlock several chances to win an e-book copy of Her Good Girl!

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My Reveiw of ~ A Moonbow Night

Laura Frantz is one of my favorite authors. I credit my reading of her debut novel, The Frontiersman’s Daughter, for rejuvenating my efforts to pursue my life-long dream of writing novels. She is a gifted writer and also a warm and friendly person.

Following is my review of one of her more recent books, A Moonbow Night.

Laura Frantz never ceases to amaze me with her authentic tone and voice in writing. Her knowledge of the late eighteenth century is outstanding, and her flare for detail captures the essence of the times. Her authentic word choices make for a slower read and demand readers to savor each page instead of rushing through the story.

While I admit it took me a bit to warm to lead characters, Tempe and Sion, as the story progressed, I grew to love their tenacity, grit, and growing affection for each other.

The latter portion of the book was truly the best, the most captivating part of the story being the journey to Boonesborough and the interaction with the Daniel Boone family. I loved the connection Tempe had with them.

Filled with plot twists, rich history, and adventure, this finely written tale is one historical romance lovers will definitely wish to add to their bookshelves.

Have you read any of Laura Frantz’ books? If so, which is your favorite?

*Connect with Cynthia on Facebook and Twitter. Read more of her writing at: Putting on the New Blog.

Read how God works in the lives of Cynthia’s characters in her debut novel, UNDER THIS SAME SKY, available in both e-book and print at Amazon.com

 

 

Never Give Up on Your Dreams

When I was in high school, I saw a PBS film entitled, My Brilliant Career, based on the true story of a sixteen year old girl who had written and published a book. I was mesmerized by the idea. When my high school English teacher urged me to  enter a local college writing contest, I eagerly accepted the challenge and was thrilled to earn first place in my category.

From that moment on, I dreamed of becoming a published author. I pursued an English/Creative Writing degree in college and wrote a rough draft of an inspirational historical novel which I entitled, Under This Same Sky.

Then life happened!

After college, I started a job and then married and had my two sons. And while I wrote and submitted short-stories and articles to various Christian magazines, my novel manuscript…and my dream…lay tucked away untouched for many years.

But I never gave up hope that someday that dream would become a reality and continued to commit my writing ministry to the Lord.

Somewhere along the way, I came across this picture and it not only made me smile, but the Lord used it to give me the determination to hold onto my dream. It’s the picture of a frog being eaten by a stork. Rather than give up, he’s got a strangle-hold on the bird.

That frog has a lot of grit!

The phrase at the bottom, DON’T EVER GIVE UP, gave me courage to hold onto my dream when it didn’t seem a possibility. I pray it will you too!

**To learn how the Lord made my dream of publication a reality, visit my post Cynthia Roemer Speaks Up. Or listen to my Ideas to Books Podcast.

Do you have a fun photo or story that encourages you to keep trying? If so, I’d love for you to share about it in the comment section below!!! Thanks for stopping by!

Join me next week when I’ll review a book by one of my favorite authors!

Connect with Cynthia on Facebook and Twitter. Read more of her writing at: Putting on the New Blog.

 

Read how God works in the lives of Cynthia’s characters in her debut novel, UNDER THIS SAME SKY, available in both e-book and print at Amazon.com

 

 

Keeping Focused on What Matters Most

2018 is off to a running start. I hope you’ve found time to reflect over the past year and consider what the Lord has in store for the coming year. If you’re like most people, you made some sort of New Year’s Resolution which often has something to do with weight loss or healthy eating. If so, how are you doing 2 weeks in?

This year, I chose to forego the health and fitness pledges and concentrate on a deeper matter, that of trying to enhance my inner beauty. Now, I don’t have ambitions of becoming the perfect Proverbs 31 woman, but the Lord has placed on my heart the desire to become more Christ-like, to pursue the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, faithfulness and self-control (Galatians 5:22). A noble pursuit, right?

Well, wouldn’t you know, not two days into January, Satan started throwing the book at me, bludgeoning me with opposition, strife, self-doubt, discouragement. You name it. He threw it! (For more on Satan’s subtle tactics check out my post on Putting on the New Blog.)

Satan doesn’t like when we seek after the things of God. He’d rather us get sidetracked onto less harmful ambitions that don’t threaten his plans to separate us from the Lord. When we seek to deepen our faith, he doesn’t take that lightly. But our God is bigger and more powerful. If we place our trust in Him, He’s sure to bless us.

So, instead of letting Satan’s tactics defeat me, I’m more determined to stay the course and am relying on the Lord’s strength to follow through with my desire to become more like Christ.

If you’re facing discouragement as you begin this new year, I encourage you to find your strength in God. He alone can see us through life’s hardships and trials. As you spend time in His Word and in prayer, may He Sow Seeds of Hope in your heart in the year ahead.

If you have words of wisdom to share or you’ve been encouraged by this post, I’d love to hear about it!

Connect with Cynthia on Facebook and Twitter. Read more of her writing at: Putting on the New Blog.

Read how God works in the lives of Cynthia’s characters in her debut novel, UNDER THIS SAME SKY, available in both e-book and print at Amazon.com

 

 

 

NEXT TIME: My journey to publication spanned 3 decades! Join me next week when I’ll share a fun picture that motivated me to never give up!

 

 

Interview & Giveaway with Connilyn Cossette

Hello Everyone!

I’m excited that my first Author Interview & Giveaway of 2018 is with Best-Selling author, Connilyn Cossette. She has a lot on her plate with homeschooling kids, writing novels, and now a sudden out-of-state move!!

 

 

Conni has graciously offered to give away a copy of her yet-to-be-released novel, A Light on the Hill! Stick around for your chance to win this first installment in her new Cities of Refuge Series set to release in February! 

 

It’s so great to have you here, Conni. Thanks for joining us. Could you share a little about yourself, your family, your writing routine and your hobbies?

I have been married to my husband Chad for twenty years and we have two children, both of whom I homeschool. Our life is definitely a busy one, with lots of learning going on during the day, along with all my author duties, and then I tend to write mostly at night after they go to bed. Although lately my schedule has been shifting a bit and I’ve been writing more in the waking hours since my kiddos are old enough that their schooling is becoming more and more independent. I wish I had more time for hobbies, I enjoy drawing and painting and play the piano and have sung on many worship teams (and even been in a rock band!) but between school and writing not much time is left for other pursuits. And being a bibliophile, usually my spare time is taken up with devouring one of the hundreds of books on my TBR list. Right now all my spare time is taken up with getting ready for a cross-country move to North Carolina as my husband has been transferred there and of course it’s all happening in the middle of the launch of A Light on the Hill, but such is life!

Oh Wow! You’re one busy and talented lady! When did you know you wanted to write?

I have been a voracious fiction reader since I was a little girl, going to the library and selecting a stack of books each time that went all the way up to my chin. It was my dream since way back then that I would have a book on those shelves one day, although a dream I honestly did not believe would ever come to fruition! I’ll just bet the Lord had a twinkle in his eye whenever I silently wished for such a thing all those years ago, since he had all kinds of surprises in store for my future! It wasn’t until I was 35 however, that I sat down and began writing my first novel and discovered all the reasons why I had been drawn to writing from such an early age—it was what I was made to do!

That’s wonderful! Can you name a couple of your favorite books or authors?

I have so many favorites it’s truly hard to choose! But I love Liz Curtis Higgs and her Scottish series is among my favorites and among the few books I have enjoyed reading more than once. My latest favorite read was The Lacemaker by Laura Franz and I am dying to get started on A Song Unheard by Roseanna White and A Refuge Assured by Jocelyn Green, both of which are calling my name from my Kindle as soon as my house is packed up and my edits for the second book in the Cities of Refuge Series are finished!

I know what you mean. I have several books calling my name as well. What is your favorite part of writing?

Can I just say pretty much everything? Truly, getting paid to sit around in my jammies playing with words, daydreaming, making up worlds and characters from thin air is such a blast. I am actually one of those writers who enjoys editing more than the first draft though, because it’s there that the true magic happens for me.

Your least favorite?

My least favorite thing is probably opening an already published book and being struck with the thought that I should have altered a scene or re-written something differently or most frustratingly, fixed some editing error! Honestly I kind of avoid reading my finished books because my perfectionism inevitably raises its ugly head.

With homeschooled children in the household, how do you carve out enough time to write full-length novels?

We have just come to have a rhythm that works for us. Homeschool gives me the flexibility to stay up late and work since we don’t have to start our day until later in the morning. I used to utilize naptimes and the like but nowadays my kids are simply used to having mom tapping away at the laptop every spare moment or staring out the window dreaming up scenes or exclaiming aloud like a crazy nut when some new idea pops into my head. I even have Scrivener on my phone and a foldable Bluetooth keyboard in my purse so I can whip out my WIP anytime, anywhere!

Ah! That’s the key to holding onto inspired scenes! What inspired you to write a series of Biblical fiction stories?

I had not planned on writing Biblical Fiction specifically. But Counted with the Stars was the story that crystallized in my mind and for the moment biblical era stories are where I am finding the most inspiration. I am certainly not married to the genre and if/when a story from another genre builds in my heart I will be happy to pursue it!

What is your WIP (work in progress)?

At the moment I am elbow-deep in edits for Book 2 of the Cities of Refuge Series, Shelter of the Most High, and am also working (as time allows during this sudden move) on Book 3 which is a prodigal daughter story of sorts. I adore the characters in this series and it has become a bit of a family saga along the way. I will truly be sad when I am finished and will miss my imaginary friends. But of course new stories and characters await discovery!

Amen! We eagerly await them too! Thanks for joining us and for the great Giveaway opportunity!

 

Connect with Connilyn at http://www.connilyncossette.com/

Amazon Author Page 

 

Connect with Cynthia on Facebook and Twitter. and Putting on the New Blog.

R ead how God works in the lives of Cynthia’s characters in her debut novel, UNDER THIS SAME SKY, available in both e-book and print at Amazon.com

 

 

 

Now it’s time for the GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment below to unlock several chances to win a copy of A Light on the Hill

**This giveaway is for US entries only**

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What’s New for 2018?

Happy New Year!

I pray 2018 finds you well and full of anticipation for what the Lord has in store! The beginning of a new year is a great time to reflect and resolve to do better in the coming year. New Year’s Resolutions are the in thing this time of year. For a fun tip for making the most of the New Year, check out my New Year’s Resolution Secret Recipe! 

As we close the page on 2017 and open a fresh cover on 2018, I’d like to lay out my new plan for the coming year for this blog. I’ve entitled my site, Sowing Seeds of Hope, with the purpose of inspiring and stirring hope within readers.

Last year, many of my posts were geared toward encouraging writers. In 2018, I plan to refocus Sowing Seeds of Hope back to readers. So here’s what to expect in the coming year (though I’ll definitely stay open to the Lord’s redirection as the year progresses).

I’ll do my best to post each Tuesday. (A little grace is appreciated!)

1st Tuesday ~ will include a guest devotional or author interview which will often include an inspirational book giveaway.

~Be on the lookout Tuesday JANUARY 9TH for my author interview with inspirational author, CONNILYN COSSETTE, who’ll be offering a GIVEAWAY of one of her books!! 

 

2nd Tuesday ~ will include a devotional post written by me.

3rd Tuesday ~ will be a lighthearted blog post to encourage and bring a smile.

4th Tuesday ~ I’ll post a review of a book I’ve read.

“The kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the I pray you’ll be blessed and your day enriched by what you read on Sowing Seeds of Hope in the coming weeks and months.birds perched in its branches.”     

(Luke 13:19)

I pray you’ll be blessed and your day enriched by what you read on Sowing Seeds of Hope in the coming weeks and months. If you have a word of encouragement for me or others, I’d be thrilled to hear it!

Connect with Cynthia on Facebook and Twitter. Read more of her writing at: Putting on the New Blog.

Read how God works in the lives of Cynthia’s characters in her debut novel, UNDER THIS SAME SKY, available in both e-book and print at Amazon.com